Judge relieved of his duties following horrific UFC 305 scorecard
18/08/2024 19:26
UFC 305 was a memorable night for many reasons, but one moment to forget was arguably one of the worst scorecards in the sport's history courtesy of judge Howie Booth.
The Perth crowd were animated on Saturday night, cheering on fighter's hailing from Oceania — but they did witness some of their favorites losing. One man who failed to give his country a win was Tai Tuivasa.
'Bam Bam' was outclassed for the majority of the fight and rightfully lost to Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Despite 'Bigi Boy' putting on a one-sided display, Judge Howie Booth thought otherwise.
Judge Booth sensationally scored all three rounds in favor of Tai Tuivasa, causing a stir among the MMA fanbase.
#UFC305 Official Scorecard: Jairzinho Rozenstruik (@JairRozenstruik) vs Tai Tuivasa
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 18, 2024
Complete Perth Scorecards ➡️: https://t.co/Nwdw7XmJlS@WestAustralia | #WAtheDreamStatepic.twitter.com/wwz23VAY9F
The general belief among fans is that Rozenstruik won all three rounds, with Tuivasa possibly making a case for the opening round when his opponent was threw less volume.
The Surinamese knockout artist significantly out-struck the home-town favorite in each round, making the judge's 30-27 scorecard in favor of Tuivasa one of the worst in history.
Moments after the dust settled on the bout and Rozenstruik was awarded the split decision victory, news broke that Howie Booth had been relieved of his duties for the rest of the night.
The legendary Kevin Iole was just one of many who was stunned by the judges scorecard.
"Howie Booth ABSOLUTELY should be let go," Iole said after Booth's poor scoring of the fight. "He should not be allowed to judge another fight on this card at the very least. Outrageous."
Howie Booth ABSOLUTELY should be let go. He should not be allowed to judge another fight on this card at the very least. Outrageous #UFC305
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) August 18, 2024
Related: Jairzinho Rozenstruik earns controversial split decision win over Tai Tuivasa
Iole continued, revealing that despite being scheduled to work the co-main event clash between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg, judge Booth was being replaced.
"Howie Booth, who had Tuivasa winning 3-0, was scheduled to work co-main event between Kara-France and Erceg, but I have been told he has been PULLED from the bout. He's done for the night."
Howie Booth, who had Tuivasa winning 3-0, was scheduled to work co-main event between Kara-France and Erceg, but I have been told he has been PULLED from the bout. He's done for the night. #UFC305
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) August 18, 2024
Ben Cartlidge stepped in for Booth, but wasn't needed in the co-main event where Kai Kara-France put on a sparkling performance against Steve Erceg.
Interesting enough, Cartlidge was the only man to have Israel Adesanya winning two rounds to one heading into the fourth in the headlining bout.
